Can you imagine going without a shower for 67 years? Well, that’s exactly what Amou Haji, a hermit from Iran, did. While the idea of showering regularly is deeply ingrained in most cultures, Amou Haji decided to march to the beat of his own drum. Despite his questionable choices, this man lived an extraordinary life that captivates our imagination.
Born in 1928 in Dez Gah, a village in Iran, Amou Haji earned his nickname, which means ‘old man’, due to his unconventional lifestyle. Rather than conforming to societal norms, he followed his own path, choosing to forgo basic hygiene practices. For over six decades, he didn’t take a single bath, and his unique appearance was marked by grey hair and a grey beard.
But what drove Amou Haji to embrace such an unconventional lifestyle? Rumor has it that a heartbreaking experience turned him into a hermit, seeking solace on the outskirts of his village. Despite his peculiar ways, the people of Dez Gah accepted him and his presence.
While most of us can’t fathom a life without daily showers, Amou Haji had no qualms when it came to drinking water. In fact, he guzzled up to 5 liters of water every day from a dirty tin can. However, when it came to his diet, he preferred to scavenge for his own food rather than accepting fresh offerings from others. Roadkill was a delicacy to him, with porcupine being his favorite. He would consume the roadkill raw, regardless of its state of decay.
In addition to his unorthodox diet, Amou Haji was known for smoking animal dung in a pipe. He also had a fondness for cigarettes and was often spotted smoking multiple at once. Despite his questionable choices in hygiene and diet, Amou Haji lived a surprisingly healthy life, reaching the remarkable age of 94.
A few months before his passing, villagers somehow convinced Amou Haji to break his 67-year streak of not bathing. At that time, Dr. Gholamreza Molavi from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences School of Public Health conducted tests on the old man. Surprisingly, despite his aversion to cleanliness, Amou Haji exhibited good overall health.
It’s worth noting that Amou Haji did contract trichinosis, a parasitic food-borne disease, which came as no surprise considering his love for roadkill. However, this ailment did not significantly impact his health.
The life of Amou Haji is undeniably fascinating. His rebellion against societal norms and his unique choices make for an extraordinary tale. What do you think about his unconventional lifestyle? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget to share this captivating story with others as well!
